Israeli commandos carried out a covert operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, killing three Palestinians in Ibn Sina Hospital. Disguised as medical staff and civilians, the special forces stormed the hospital and killed the men, claiming that they were planning “terrorist attacks.”
CCTV footage circulating online reveals around a dozen undercover troops, with three dressed as women and two posing as medical personnel, navigating the corridors in Ibn Sina Hospital armed with assault weapons. The exact nature of the operation and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain undisclosed.
Hamas condemned the hospital killings, labelling them a continuation of the occupation’s ongoing crimes against Palestinians.
Israeli attacks on residential homes in Gaza City’s Sabra and Tuffah neighbourhoods have killed numerous Palestinian civilians, the Wafa news agency reported. Since 7 October, Israel has killed 26,637 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children, and wounded 65,387.
The UK and its allies contemplate plans for the official recognition of a Palestinian state. Foreign Secretary David Cameron conveyed this message to Arab representatives in London, highlighting the need to define the state’s structure and functioning and explore the possibility of recognition at the United Nations.
Cameron acknowledged the challenges but deemed the process not impossible. He stressed the importance of making the steps taken towards recognition irreversible.
Cameron is set to embark on his fourth regional trip, starting with Oman, with other destinations yet to be disclosed.
Reports indicate an increase in denials or restrictions on the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza by Israel. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted escalating trends of denied and restricted access, particularly in the northern and central areas of Gaza in the latter half of January.
Delays at Israeli checkpoints and heightened military attacks in central Gaza are cited as contributing factors. The restrictions pose threats not only to the timely delivery of life-saving aid but also to the safety of humanitarian personnel and sites.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled to meet with key UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) donor nations in New York. The meeting comes after Israel’s allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom,France, Britain, Germany, and Japan, suspended donations to UNRWA following claims made by Israel that 12 staff members of the agency were involved in the 7 October attacks. Guterres urged donors, especially those who suspended contributions, to ensure the continuity of UNRWA’s operations.
The funding cuts will impact ordinary Palestinians who are already displaced and suffering from chronic shortages of food and water due to Israel’s ongoing attacks and blockade of food and medical aid.
